Tag: aggression

Present reality and dogs

Before talking about techniques and problems related to the education of a puppy, it is essential to give an overview of the changes that have occurred in the last 15 years to the character of dogs and try to give an explanation.

If we consult any serious encyclopedia of dog breeds, we find descriptions of character types that have almost nothing to do with the subjects that live in our homes and cities. If, for example, we read the description of a German Shepherd, we still find it praised as an animal that is exceptionally well balanced, reliable, child friendly, and docile.

Honestly, these characteristics are difficult to recognize in todays German Shepherd. It’s easy for anyone to notice the profound changes that have occurred in this species and most others in the course of a few years.
This problem is related to exasperated selective breeding processes that often prioritize aesthetic factors.

These changes are particularly apparent by the increase of, largely unmotivated, aggression and fear. It’s clear that a certain degree of aggression and caution is part of the normal genetic heritage of each species. It is absolutely wrong to consider such characteristics as a deviation, but it’s also true that in the past few years all of the “experts” have found such an increase in behavioral problems that they are thinking of “veterinary psychiatry”.

It’s also obvious, unfortunately, that these signs of unbalanced behavior in puppies are often deliberately ignored by both the breeders and the owners; as if the problem can be solved by turning a blind eye.

As a logical consequence, adult animals are created that cause all kinds of problems for themselves and their owners.

Having ascertained the existence of such a problem, we must now list the causes and find possible solutions.

Pack Leaders: the role

In the last few decades, there has been a sharp increase in the aggression levels of dogs. This has led to puppies and dogs of various breeds and sizes facing, sometimes fatal, conflicts with other dogs.
Often this violence has much more serious consequences than when concerning humans.

Paradoxically (but perfectly understandable), the most serious attacks occur most often in the family environment where the dog lives.
Interpretation of this phenomenon becomes understandable when its highlighted that a pack leader feels itself as the owner of its living environment and considers its family as “subjects”.
It seems logical from its perspective, to put in line the “puppy” of the human being.
What is less logical is the clearly disproportionate and particularly violent proof of its leadership.

In fact the rules of the pack dictates the leader exercise demonstrative action when necessary, but without causing serious injury and never killing. This behavior extends to even those who aspire to take its place. Contrary to the expression, dog does not eat dog.
Frequent episodes of violence from dogs towards family members (often directed towards the neck or face, a very serious action from an ethology point of view) requires objective analysis, not preconceived notions.